We want to hear from borrowers who have taken out installment, payday or title loans, and those who work for companies that offer them.

South Carolinians took out more than one million high-interest, short-term personal loans in 2024 alone, totaling $2.3 billion. The industry, which critics say preys on desperate borrowers, is deeply entrenched in the Upstate, in cities including Greenville and Spartanburg.

The New York Times and The Post and Courier are examining the business of short-term lending in South Carolina, and we want your help. If you, a family member or someone you know has taken out an installment, payday or title loan, or has worked for a company that offers them, please fill out the form below.

If you would rather share your story over the phone, leave us a voice mail message at 864-924-4445. You can also text that number, and a reporter may follow up. If you would feel more comfortable telling your story anonymously, please visit our tips page. A reporter or editor may reach out to learn more about your experiences. We won’t publish any part of your answer without hearing back from you and verifying your response. And we won’t share your name or comments with anyone outside of our reporting team.